Lawrence Henry Gipson Postcard Collection

Series

Identifier: SC MS 0479

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of over 1000 postcards featuring American and international locations and art which Dr. Lawrence Gipson collected during his travels. The collection has been divided into series by geographic area. A large majority of the postcards measure 9 x 14 cm, are black & white, sepia, and some are color lithographs, dated as early as 1903. Other have messages written on them and have been posted. There are 77 duplicates and 18 unidentified postcards that are not included in the numbering. The largest series, of over 400 postcards, depicts images of the United States. The second largest number are of places in the United Kingdom, reflecting his scholarship in the British Empire. These are placed in separate series for England, Scotland, and Wales.

A more extensive finding aid is available upon request.

Dates

Creation: 1903 - 1971
Creation: Majority of material found within 1930 - 1950

Conditions Governing Access

Collection housed remotely. Users need to contact 24 hours in advance.

Conditions Governing Use

Collection is open for research.

Copyright notice

Please inquire about copyright information.

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Lawrence Henry Gipson (1880-1971) was an American historian and professor at Lehigh University. He received a PhD from Yale University in 1918. Before coming to Lehigh, he taught at Yale, College of Idaho, and Wabash College. His magnum opus is the 15 Volume series, “The British Empire before the American Revolution” published between 1936-1970, of which Volume 10 won the Pulitzer Prize. At his death, he left his entire estate to Lehigh University which used it to establish the Lawrence Henry Gipson Institute for Eighteenth-Century Studies.

Extent

1 Linear Feet : 2 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A collection of over 600 postcards featuring American and international locations and art collected by Dr. Lawrence Henry Gipson during his travels. The collection has been divided into series by geographic area. Gipson was a noted historian who was a professor at Lehigh University.

Arrangement

The materials are arranged alphabetically by country or state depicted on postcard.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was given to Special Collections February 14, 2025 by Dr. Nicholas Adams formerly a professor and department chairman of Lehigh University’s Art and Architecture Department.